BAR FIGHT LANDS DIRECTOR IN COURT

A movie director accused of inappropriately touching two women and punching one of them at a bar in July will have the charges dropped and his record cleansed if he stays out of trouble for two years.

Vadim Perelman, 43, of Venice, Calif. -- director of In Bloom, an upcoming Uma Thurman film shot partly in Norwalk and Stamford -- was placed on accelerated rehabilitation last week by state Superior Court.

Judge Barbara Bellis granted Perelman's application for the special form of probation, designed for first-time offenders facing less serious charges that require no guilty plea.

The director of the 2003 film House of Sand and Fog, charged with third-degree assault and two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, must make a $1,000 charitable contribution and perform 100 hours of community service. Bellis also ordered Perelman to undergo substance abuse evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.

Defense attorney Paul Callan of Manhattan said his client did not intend to touch anyone sexually.

"It's an unfortunate incident that arose out of a barroom brawl," Callan said. "Vadim Perelman deeply regrets the incident and is deeply grateful to the people of Connecticut for their graciousness and kindness during the filming of his movie here."

In a statement, Callan said, "Mr. Perelman adamantly denies having engaged in a sexual assault of any kind during this unfortunate barroom brawl."

Police arrested Perelman early on July 22, shortly after he left Rain Ultralounge & Sushi Bar, where two women said he touched their buttocks. During an altercation, Perelman allegedly punched one of the women when he tried to hit her boyfriend and she stepped between them.

Police reported finding Perelman walking a short distance from Rain after the club's manager flagged down a patrol officer. Perelman smelled of alcohol, appeared dazed and had red, glassy eyes, police said.

Another attorney for Perelman, Wayne Keeney, of Bridgeport, said Perelman was evaluated by a Yale psychiatrist, so he could assure the court his client had no substance abuse or antisocial issues.

The incident was a "one-time instance of aberrant behavior," and Perelman is unlikely to offend again, Keeney said.

Perelman denied any wrongdoing to police. He told police that men were flirting with his girlfriend and became aggressive with him, wanting to fight. Perelman reportedly said he didn't want any trouble and decided to leave.